OTC drugs may carry higher cost

May 9, 2012

President Barack Obama wants voters to believe he is doing nice things for them, especially regarding health care. He hopes that will convince them to vote for him.

Food and Drug Administration officials reportedly are about to give Obama a new talking point - but it could come at a high cost for many senior citizens.

Several drugs now available only by prescription may be cleared for over-the-counter sale, it has been reported. Medicines for a variety of problems ranging from high cholesterol to asthma are affected.

That may sound like good news, and rest assured that is how the White House will play it if the FDA proceeds.

But consider this: While the drugs are available by prescription only, Medicare patients can get some help paying for them. Over-the-counter drugs may not be covered.

That would ease Medicare's financial crunch by transferring it to millions of senior citizens. But that is something the White House probably will fail to mention.